New Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)

 

On December 31 st, 2019, several cases of pneumonia were reported to WHO in Wuhan, a city located in the Chinese province of Hubei. It was a virus different from the known ones, which is worrying because we do not know how new viruses can affect people.

A week later, on January 7 th, Chinese authorities confirmed that they had identified a new coronavirus, a family of viruses that cause the common cold and diseases such as MERS and

SARS. This new virus was provisionally called 2019-nCoV.

From the moment of the outbreak, WHO has been working with Chinese authorities and experts from around the world to obtain more information about the virus, its effects on infected

people, its treatment and the measures that can be taken by the countries to avoid spreading.

On January 30th WHO declares the new coronavirus outbreak a Public Health Emergency of international concern.

Taking into consideration that coronaviruses usually cause

Respiratory symptoms, recommendations for personal protection against infection, as well as to prevent the spread

the disease to other people:

• Hand Hygiene: Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water;

• Respiratory hygiene when coughing and sneezing cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue – throw tissue away immediately and wash hands;

• If you have or taking care of person with symptoms (fever, cough and travel history in China) contact health services as recommended by ministry of health of the country where you are;

• Safe food practices: The consumption of raw or undercooked animal products should be avoided. Raw meat, milk or animal organs should be handled with care, to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods, as per good food safety practices.

Recommendations while traveling:

• Avoid close contact with someone who has a fever and coughs

• Wash your hands frequently using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and water

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth

• If you fell seek while traveling, and have a fever, cough and breathing difficulties, report it to your manager and follow the national recommendations of your country of destination.

Q&A on coronaviruses

What is a coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are known to cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)

and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

A novel coronavirus (CoV) is a new strain of coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans.

Are there some people with more risk?

As with other respiratory illnesses, infection with 2019-nCoV can cause mild symptoms including a runny nose, sore throat, cough, and fever. It can be more severe for some persons

and can lead to pneumonia or breathing difficulties. More rarely, the disease can be fatal.

Older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as, diabetes and heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus.

Should I wear a mask to protect myself?

Wearing a medical mask can help to limit the spread of some respiratory disease. However, using a mask alone is not guaranteed to stop infections and should be combined with other prevention measures including hand and respiratory hygiene and avoiding close contact – at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and other people.

WHO advises on rational use of a medical mask. This means using masks only if you present respiratory symptoms and suspect infection by Coronavirus (travel history to China) or if you take care of a suspected case of coronavirus infection waiting for specialized services intervention. In any case to wear or not a mask should delay the medical examination.

What are the symptoms of someone infected with a coronavirus?

It depends on the virus, but common signs include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

Can coronaviruses be transmitted from person to person?

Yes, some coronaviruses can be transmitted from person to person, usually after close contact with an infected patient, for example, in a household workplace, or health care centre.

Is there a vaccine for a novel coronavirus?

When a disease is new, there is no vaccine until one is developed. It can take a number of years for a new vaccine to be developed.

Is there a treatment for a novel coronavirus?

There is no specific treatment for disease caused by a novel coronavirus. However, many of the symptoms can be treated and therefore treatment based on the patient’s clinical condition.

Moreover, supportive care for infected persons can be highly effective.

What can I do to protect myself?

Standard recommendations to reduce exposure to and transmission of a range of illnesses include maintaining basic hand and respiratory hygiene, and safe food practices and avoiding close contact, when possible, with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.

SAISI